Geneseo Interfaith Service Project
In the spring of 2011, college campuses across the nation were invited to participate in a year of service that would bring together people from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds to collectively serve their communities. Geneseo is pleased to continue participation in this initiative.
We are seeking student involvement in GISP as we look to create programming and events that speak to the interests and needs of our community.
The commitment will include attending 4-6 meetings a year, helping to plan and coordinate events, and attending our activities.
Please contact Garth Freeman, Coordinator of Student Leadership, Volunteerism, and Service if interested: freemang@geneseo.edu / 585-245-5893
PAST GISP Events
Community Dinner & Dialogue
Each year we plan a Community Dinner & Dialogue. Lat year was The Eighth Annual Geneseo Interfaith Service Project (GISP) Community Dinner & Dialogue with the theme "Circles of Faith: Influence, and Action”. We will heard from three speakers: Rev. James C. Simmons, Senior Pastor, Baber A.M.E. Church in Rochester, The Reverend Lane Campbell, Settled Minister, First Universalist Church, Rochester, And Yusuf Bilgic, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Faculty Advisor to the Muslim Student Association, SUNY Geneseo.
Using theme of the dialogue, "Circles of Faith: Influence, and Action", the discussants spoke to the theme in terms of how faith communities work within their particular and specific "circles" to pursue their mission, and when they "open their circle" to reach beyond their individual community into the wider sphere of influence to engage the broader community to impact change. Each speaker spoke about the importance of having their community of folks with similar beliefs and perspectives, and the importance of opening up dialogue and action beyond that smaller community. Participants shared in a homemade pasta dinner courtesy of the Philanthropic Chefs, the Center for Community at SUNY Geneseo, and Geneseo Interfaith Center.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Leadership & Service
This day of leadership and service is an intergenerational and interfaith event with SUNY Geneseo students and area senior citizen volunteers learning and working together on important community outreach efforts. A partnership with the GOLD Program at SUNY Geneseo, Student Life, the Center for Community, Multicultural Programs & Services, The Office of Student Volunteerism and Community Engagement, Residence Life, Student Association, Geneseo Interfaith Service Project, Campus Auxiliary Services, Livingston CARES and the Livingston County Office for the Aging this annual event celebrates the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In 2019 The program included a keynote address by Danielle Ponder Esq. on "For The Love of Justice". After the keynote participants chose one of five one hour GOLD workshops relating to the work and legacy of Rev. Dr. King. During lunch, Alum Gurnaina Chawla,'16 shared her thoughts on "Service & Social Movements for Change". After lunch, participants will worked on hands-on service projects such as backpack lunches for low income K-12 students in area schools, poppies and cards for Veterans and more. The Gospel Choir at Geneseo provided musical selections interspersed throughout the day.
2019 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Leadership and Service planning team: Kristina Barsema, Tiffany Brodner, Evan Burr, Garth Freeman, Deb Gage, Dave Hurbert, Fatima Rodriguez Johnson, Paula McClure, Kamesha Miller, Nicholas Palumbo, Nikhil Reddy, Brandy Rosas, Analiese Vasciannie